Emphasis Overview
Clinical neuropsychology is one of the fastest growing subspecialties within psychology. Its growth has been evident in the increased number of postdoctoral training programs, high-quality, peer-reviewed professional journals, and professional organizations in neuropsychology, such as the International Neuropsychological Society (INS), the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN), and Division 40 of the American Psychological Association.
Neuropsychology is recognized by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists and has a specific credentialing board, The American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology. There has also been a recent emphasis on interdisciplinary collaborations with neuropsychology within psychology and other health disciplines.
Division 40 of the American Psychological Association defines a clinical neuropsychologist as follows:
A clinical neuropsychologist is a professional psychologist who applies principles of assessment and intervention based on the scientific study of human behavior as it relates to the normal and abnormal functioning of the central nervous system. The clinical neuropsychologist is a doctoral-level psychology provider of diagnostic and intervention services who has demonstrated competence in the application of such principles for human welfare following:
- Successful completion of systemic didactic and experiential training in neuropsychology and neuroscience at a regionally accredited university.
- Two or more years of appropriate supervised training applying neuropsychological service in a clinical setting.
- Licensing and concentration to provide psychological services to the public by the laws of the state or province in which they live and review by one’s peers as a test of these competencies.
The doctoral neuropsychology emphasis is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop a solid competence and proficiency in clinical neuropsychology. Completion of the Emphasis in Clinical Neuropsychology within the Clinical Psychology doctoral program prepares graduates to complete advanced work (i.e., postdoctoral fellowship), leading to careers in clinical neuropsychology and board certification. The program is designed to satisfy current professional guidelines for training clinical neuropsychologists. After graduating with the Psy.D. and the Clinical Neuropsychology emphasis, a year of postdoctoral training is required for licensure as a psychologist in most states and provinces. Graduates are expected to continue postdoctoral training and acquire additional supervised clinical experience to increase general and subspecialty neuropsychology competencies. Current national guidelines recommend that the graduates complete a two-year postdoctoral residency in neuropsychology following the completion of this program.
Minimum Admissions Requirements and Continued Enrollment
Prerequisites
Students who have completed the requisite assessment sequence (PSY 661, PSY 662, PSY 663) and Psychopathology I and II (PSY 648, PSY 649) and obtained a grade of B+ or better in all these courses are eligible to take Introduction to Clinical Neuropsychology I: Neuroanatomy (PSY 764) in the fall of their second year. They must also complete or concurrently register for Biological Bases of Behavior (PSY 724) in the fall of their second year.
After completing all the above courses with a grade of B+ or better, students may then officially apply to be admitted to the emphasis at the end of the fall term of the second year.
Application Process
Students must submit a one-page statement of interest, transcripts of their graduate school performance, and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. Then, they must complete an interview with the emphasis coordinator.
Students who are accepted into the emphasis will then be permitted to take the second course in the sequence in the spring term of their second year, Neuropsychology II: Neuropsychological Assessment (PSY 765). After acceptance into the emphasis, students must complete all remaining course requirements with a grade of B+ or better. Additionally, after completing the assessment and psychotherapy practicums and seminars, the student will be allowed to apply for an advanced practicum in neuropsychology and the associated advanced practicum seminar with a focus in clinical neuropsychology.
The emphasis coordinator may waive prerequisites or grade requirements in unusual circumstances.
Admission Criteria
- Completion of PSY 661, PSY 662, PSY 663 with a B+ or better in all courses.
- Completion with PSY 724, PSY 648, PSY 649 with a B+ or better. Overall Adler GPA of at least 3.5 with no grades lower than a B.
- One letter of recommendation from faculty. This may be in the form of an email to the emphasis coordinator.
- No referrals to SDC or SCEC.
- Passing all program milestones up to the point of emphasis admission.
- A cover letter describing the student’s professional goals and interests and how the emphasis will help them achieve these goals.
Admission to the emphasis is not guaranteed. It is dependent on meeting criteria as well as fit with the program, student performance, and specific goals.
Additionally, students admitted into the emphasis must maintain the following standards or risk dismissal from the emphasis.
- Maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.5 in the doctoral program.
- Maintain at least a GPA of 3.5 in all Neuropsychology Emphasis courses.
- Pass all milestones in the Psy.D. program on a timely basis.
- No referrals to SCEC or other disciplinary actions.
- Maintain a collaborative, team-focused attitude with no comportment issues that warrant a referral to SDC or SCEC while engaged in any neuropsychology student group (ANST) or emphasis activities, practica, or classes.
For further information, contact the clinical neuropsychology emphasis coordinator.
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